Infrared Sauna EMF: Levels, Testing Results by Brand, and What They Mean
Wes McMahon
Short Answer
Infrared saunas produce low-frequency EMF from their heating panels, measured in milligauss (mG). For the brands we carry, low EMF saunas are rated 5–10 mG, ultra low 3–5 mG, and near zero under 3 mG. All of these are far below the international public exposure guideline of 2,000 mG. Research hasn't shown harm at these levels, but if you'd like to keep exposure as low as possible, choose a near zero model with published third-party testing.
One of the most common questions people ask when shopping for an infrared sauna is whether the EMF is something to worry about. Because infrared saunas use electric heaters, they naturally create electromagnetic fields. Here's what EMF is, how much infrared saunas actually produce, the published test results for every brand we sell, and what the research says.
What Is EMF?
EMF stands for electromagnetic field. These are invisible areas of energy produced whenever electricity flows through wires, electronics or powered devices. Phones, WiFi routers, televisions, kitchen appliances and household wiring all generate some EMF. Infrared saunas create it because their heaters run on electricity.
There are two main types of EMFs:
| EMF Type | Source | Frequency Level |
|---|---|---|
| Low Frequency EMF | Household electricity, appliances, sauna heaters | Extremely low frequency (ELF) |
| High Frequency EMF | Cell phones, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Radiofrequency (RF) |
Infrared saunas mainly produce low-frequency (ELF) fields from their wiring and heating panels.
Why Do People Worry About EMF in Infrared Saunas?
The concern comes from one idea: you sit close to the heaters for extended periods. Unlike a television or refrigerator, you may spend 20 to 45 minutes a few inches from active heating panels. That's why many shoppers want to keep exposure as low as practical.
Low vs. Ultra Low vs. Near Zero EMF
| EMF tier | Manufacturer rating | Brands we carry |
|---|---|---|
| Low EMF | 5–10 mG | Standard Dynamic and Maxxus models; SunRay |
| Ultra Low EMF | 3–5 mG | Dynamic Elite, Maxxus S-Line Elite |
| Near Zero EMF | Under 3 mG | Golden Designs, Dynamic and Maxxus near zero and full spectrum models, Finnmark, Sun Home |
These terms aren't regulated, so any brand can use them. What matters is the published reading and where it was taken.
How Infrared Sauna EMF Is Measured
- The unit: EMF is measured in milligauss (mG) with a gaussmeter.
- Distance changes everything: readings drop quickly as you move away from the heater. A reading at the panel can be several times higher than one at the seated position.
- Brands measure differently: some test at the heater surface, some a few inches away, and some at the seated position. Always check where a reading was taken before comparing.
EMF Test Results for Every Infrared Sauna Brand We Sell
| Brand | Tier | Published EMF | Tested by | Date | Where measured |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Home (Luminar) | Near zero | 0.5 mG | Vitatech Electromagnetics | Jan 2025 | Seated position |
| Finnmark | Near zero | 1.17 mG max (Spectrum Plus heater); under 0.6 mG (Spectrum Carbon heater) | VPE Test Lab (test log included with each Finnmark sauna) | Dec 2019 | At the heater panel |
| Golden Designs | Near zero | Under 3 mG | Manufacturer rating | — | 2–3 inches from the heater |
| Dynamic | Low / ultra low / near zero | 5–10 / 3–5 / under 3 mG | Manufacturer rating | — | Not specified |
| Maxxus | Low / ultra low / near zero | 5–10 / 3–5 / under 3 mG | Manufacturer rating | — | Not specified |
| SunRay | Low | Not published | — | — | — |
🔬 EMF and health: what the research says
The guideline: ICNIRP, the international body that sets EMF exposure guidelines, puts the public limit for low-frequency magnetic fields at 2,000 mG. Every sauna in the table above is rated far below that.
The caution: the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies ELF magnetic fields as "possibly carcinogenic" (Group 2B). That's based on studies linking long-term average household exposure above about 3–4 mG to a small increase in childhood leukemia. A cause-and-effect link hasn't been established, and the National Cancer Institute notes the evidence is inconsistent.
Where it stands: no research has shown harm from sauna-level EMF exposure. If you want to minimize exposure anyway, a near zero model with third-party testing is the lowest option.
How to Check a Sauna's EMF Yourself
- 1. Ask for the full report. Ask the brand for the third-party test report, not just a number.
- 2. Check where it was measured. At the heater, inches away, or at the seated position.
- 3. Look for the lab and the date. A named independent lab and a recent test date are both good signs.
- 4. Measure it yourself. If you own a gaussmeter, measure at the seated position, about where your back and legs rest.
Do Traditional Saunas Produce EMF?
Yes. Electric traditional saunas also produce EMF through their wiring and heating elements, though you usually sit farther from the heater than from infrared panels. A wood-burning sauna stove produces none. For more on the differences, see what an infrared sauna is.
FAQs
What is a safe EMF level in an infrared sauna?
There's no agreed "safe" sauna number. The international public guideline is 2,000 mG, and every sauna we sell is rated far below it. Many buyers aim for near zero (under 3 mG) for peace of mind.
What's the lowest EMF infrared sauna?
Among the saunas we carry, the lowest published seated reading is 0.5 mG, for Sun Home's Luminar. Finnmark's heaters measured 1.17 mG or less at the heater itself.
Is a near zero EMF sauna worth the extra cost?
If EMF is a priority for you, yes. It's the lowest tier available. If it isn't, low EMF saunas deliver the same infrared heat for less.
Do full spectrum saunas have more EMF?
Not necessarily. Many full spectrum saunas we sell, including Golden Designs Reserve, Finnmark and Sun Home, are near zero EMF.
Should I avoid infrared saunas because of EMF?
Research hasn't shown harm at sauna-level exposures. If you'd like to minimize EMF, choose a near zero model and ask for its test report.
References
World Health Organization: Electromagnetic Fields
https://www.who.int/health-topics/electromagnetic-fields
International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)
https://www.icnirp.org
National Cancer Institute: Electromagnetic Fields and Cancer (includes the IARC classification)
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/radiation/electromagnetic-fields-fact-sheet
Sun Home Saunas: EMF testing by Vitatech Electromagnetics
https://sunhomesaunas.com/pages/emf-testing
Wes McMahon, is the founder of Sun Valley Saunas and a seasoned ski town sauna enthusiast. In early 2021, Wes transitioned from being an attorney and sauna aficionado in Sun Valley, Idaho, to founding Sun Valley Saunas. His deep appreciation for the Finnish sauna tradition has helped him understand and select high-quality, hand-built saunas for customers throughout North America. Combined with his understanding of the therapeutic and communal benefits of sauna culture, he advocates for the wellness practices that saunas can bring to your overall health. Got questions? Get in touch by calling 1-855-963-5665 or info@sunvalleysaunas.com
Important: The information provided in our articles about saunas and related topics is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare practitioner before using saunas, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are pregnant. Individual health needs vary, and what benefits one person may not be suitable for another.